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Around half of baby rice sold in major UK supermarkets contains illegal levels of inorganic arsenic which could stunt children's growth and intelligence, a study has found.

Despite new stricter rules on how much arsenic children's food can contain being introduced in January, researchers from Queen’s University Belfast found levels had actually risen.

Babies are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of arsenic that can prevent the healthy development of a baby’s growth, IQ and immune systemProfessor Andy Meharg

Some 50 per cent of baby rice food products contains an illegal level of inorganic arsenic, it found.

In January 2016, the EU imposed a maximum limit of inorganic arsenic on manufacturers in a bid to mitigate associated health risks.

Rice has, typically, ten times more inorganic arsenic than other foods and chronic exposure can cause a range of health problems including developmental problems, heart disease, diabetes and nervous system damage.

Rice contains higher levels of arsenic than other food

Professor Andy Meharg, lead author of the study and Professor of plant and soil sciences at Queen's, said: “This research has shown direct evidence that babies are exposed to illegal levels of arsenic despite the EU regulation to specifically address this health challenge.

"Babies are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of arsenic that can prevent the healthy development of a baby’s growth, IQ and immune system to name but a few.”

A Food Standards Agency spokesman said: “It is the responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure that products comply with this legislation. Local authorities enforce this legislation in the UK and report any non-compliant results to the FSA."